waking

Chapter 29 

WIE 

Naomi was at a loss for an answer, so Elsie slid a file across the table–inside were Elaine Jewelry’s past designs and the faces of their former spokespeople. “Take your time with this, Elsie suggested, “and get back to me in a week or so. 

Naomi tucked the documents safely under her arm and headed for the exit with Elsie escorting her. “Hit me up if you need anything. Im practically glued to my phone. Elsie offered. 

“Will do, Elsie. And hey, I might be reaching out a bunch going forward.” 

“No sweat. Did you drive yourself here, or did you catch a ride?” 

“I brought my car.” 

“Alright, I’ll let you be. Drive safe, and shoot me a text when you make it back to the office.” 

“You got it. Thanks for everything. See you, Elsie.” 

Parting ways with Elsie, Naomi strode over to her white Ferrari–an unexpected twist that made Elsie do a double take. That beast of a car was Shawn Fischer’s ride. Eyes narrowing. Elsie reconsidered Naomi’s standing. Soon enough, it might not be Naomi needing Elsie’s help, but the other way around 

Back at the Fischer Group building, Naomi was greeted by Zoey’s enthusiastic wave. She approached. “Hey, Zory, what’s the latest?” 

Zoey, buzzing with news, leaned in. “Listen, Naomi, we’re in with Rosalind now.” 

Naomi arched a brow, “About time. Keep him safe for me. When the moment’s right, we’ll meet.” 

“Okay, and get this–Freddy’s hospitalized too, right where Rosalind is. If things heat up there, you’ll have your inside scoop. 

Naomi gave her a pat on the head. “Rosalind doesn’t need a blood transfusion this time?” 

Zoey shook her head, also confused, “No, doctors say she’s actually doing better. Hurts like heck without the transfusions, but no serious danger.” 

“I see,” Naomi replied, lost in thought. Looked like Rosalind had been playing her cards right all along, asking for Naomi’s blood nonstop. 

“I’m with you all the way, Naomi Zoey said, a waver in her voice. Her brother’s hospital bills were mounting, and she was anxious about proving her worth to Naomi 

“Hey, 

don’t sweat it. I’m not about to let you down.” 

Comforted, Zory took off to see her brother, and Naomi made her way to the office. Also, she needed to check on Rosalind. 

As she stepped into the Fischer Group building and zipped up to the 63rd floor in the executive elevator, Chandler informed her of an impromptu 

executive meeting. 

In the boardroom, Shawn was front and center, dabbing on the scar cream Naomi had passed along as the higher–ups watched him like hawks. One stern look from Shawn sent their gazes darting elsewhere. 

First time in such an elite huddle, Naomi noticed she was the only woman among a sea of suits. The executives glanced her way before quickly averting their eyes from Shawn’s intimidating presence. After their initial shock, the men’s faces showed a mix of intrigue and sympathy. The last woman to earn a spot here was now begging for mercy at the Fischer residence. They all wondered how long Naomi could hold out. 

“Naomi, apply this cream for me,” Shawn called out suddenly. Naomi quickly stepped forward and said, “Sure, Mr. Fischer, but just let me wash my hands real quick” 

Shawn nodded. 

Naomi hustled to the restroom to scrub her hands and sanitize them. She came back, picked up the scar cream, and applied it gently to Shawn’s face. Her fingers were refreshingly cool. She focused on spreading the cream over his rough scars silently, while Shawn sat there without showing 

any emotion 

Shawn wasn’t too fussed about the contents of the cream; it was more about the other people in the room than anything else. His message was clear: Shawn Fischer, the bigwig of Atopan, was taking care of the scars on his face 

The mask he had maintained was stilling. Shawn used to think if he couldn’t shake his haphephobia, he might as well keep wearing the mask. It kept the distasteful flirting at bay. Now, with Naomi around, there was no need for pretense. Still, he couldn’t let his scars heal too quickly–people might get suspicious, especially the old timers from the Fischer family. 

Naomi 

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was thorough with the cream, and once she was done, she neatly put everything away. “All finished, Mr. Fischer.” 

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Chapter 29 

“Thanks, you can go, declared Shawn 

Naomi responded, “Got it, Mr. Fischer” 

As Naomi reached for the door handle, she heard Shawn’s voice command the room, “Let’s get started.” 

The Fischer Group executive meetings were way above her pay grade. Not that she minded–Shawn had given her plenty already. Besides, the less she knew about Fischer Group’s inner workings, the easier it would be to make her exit when the time was right. 

She settled into her chair back in the CEO’s office and dove into the information Else had handed her, calling Elsie up for any extra details and getting a dose of that patient, advisory tone in return. By the time she finished, Naomi had a list of solid spokesperson candidates. 

Scratching down a few notes, she glanced at her computer clock–three hours had zipped by, and Shawn’s meeting was still going strong. Seizing the moment, she cranked out updates for two comic strips, uploaded drafts to her author account, and sketched out a couple of new panels Just as she finished, Shawn came back from his meeting. 

“Naomi, tonight you’re coming with me to a dinner party,” he said. 

“Sure thing. Mr. Fischer answered Naomi. 

Shawn pinched the bridge of his nose and reached for his coffee mug. Like lightning, Naomi was there, intercepting his hand. Tll make you a fresh cup. Mr. Fischer.” 

She was quick and smooth. Shawn, watching his hand come up empty, narrowed his eyes. Her hands were delicate, with neatly trimmed nails- hands that belonged to an artist, not someone hardened by labor. Yet the reports said she had worked relentlessly for the Edwards family, 

Those hands were designed to create, not toil 

The next day. Naomi discovered a change at work. Whenever it was time to eat or coffee needed brewing, Chandler would swoop in to take over. Her new job? Handling the stack of reports Shawn piled on her desk 

Naomi adapted without complaint, doing Shawn’s bidding first, and only then turning to her tasks. Shawn watched her from his corner, quietly observing 

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